Steps
What Causes Low Blood Sugar?
There are many causes of low blood sugar, including:
- Certain medicines
- Eating less than usual
- Getting sick (cold or flu, stomach bug, etc.)
- Skipping or delaying meal(s)
- Drinking alcohol without eating enough
- Taking more insulin or other diabetes medicines than instructed
- Being more active than usual
How Do I Know If I'm Low?
People usually know their blood sugar is low because they don't feel well. You may notice any of the following symptoms when you're low:
- Shaky
- Sweaty
- Dizzy
- Feel irritable or nervous
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Weakness or increased hunger
- Headache
If you feel that you might be low, check your blood sugar right away if you can. If you cannot check, go ahead and treat your low blood sugar.
Remember, blood sugar below 70 can be dangerous! It can lead to passing out, going into a coma, and rarely even dying.
Remember, blood sugar below 70 can be dangerous! It can lead to passing out, going into a coma, and rarely even dying.
How Do I Treat Low Blood Sugar?
- Take 15 grams of carbohydrates when your blood sugar is less than 70. To get this amount, drink 4 oz of juice or regular soda. If you have glucose tabs, gel, or nasal spray, follow the instructions on the box for how much to take.
- Re-check your blood sugar in 15 minutes.
- If your blood sugar is still low, go back to step 1 and start over.
- Once your blood sugar starts rising, eat a small meal or snack containing protein.
If you're unable to get your blood sugar to come up using the steps above, go to your local urgent care or emergency room (ER) or call 9-1-1 for help.
What Do I Do After I've Treated My Low?
If you get low blood sugar (less than 70), please let us know.
If you are getting lows too often, we might need to adjust your medications. We might also prescribe glucagon, which can be given by a family or household member to raise your blood sugar urgently.
If you are getting lows too often, we might need to adjust your medications. We might also prescribe glucagon, which can be given by a family or household member to raise your blood sugar urgently.
If your blood sugar is less than 70, use the "Rule of 15" (explained here) to treat it right away!
Remember, lows can be dangerous!
Learn More
Watch this video, starting at 6:34, to learn more about treating low blood sugar from Galileo's Terri Schmidt. Watch from the begining to also learn about what to do and how to adjust your medications when you're sick.